November in Cairns means warmer weather with temperatures ranging from 23°c to 31°c, higher humidity and occasional showers that cool down the air. As the wet season starts to roll in, Cairns becomes vibrant with summer activity – especially for those interested in local fishing tours and crocodile spotting.
Catching the Excitement
Cairns is best known for its Barrier Reef sea life, but the region’s fishing opportunities – ranging from river and estuary fishing to deep-sea expeditions – are also pretty well-known.
You won’t be sitting around for hours waiting for a bite! Cairns’ estuaries and mangrove forests are full of fish species, like barramundi, mangrove jack and queenfish. Guided fishing tours will take you to all the best spots, so you can cast your line and just enjoy a relaxing day admiring the view along the shoreline.
If you want a more adventurous experience, there’s deep-sea fishing tours on the Great Barrier Reef. These tours offer the chance to catch larger species like coral trout, red emperor and giant trevally. You can also usually snorkel and explore the reef during breaks. Both tour types are perfect for beginners and experienced anglers, with local guides providing tips and equipment.
November is an excellent time for crocodile spotting too! These magnificent, prehistoric creatures are more active with the rising temperatures and tours operate in the region, offering safe but thrilling encounters.
The Daintree River Crocodile Cruise is one of the best ways to see crocodiles in their natural habitat. A guided boat tour takes you right into their environment to watch them swimming and basking along the mangrove-lined banks. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures wildlife park lets you see the power and agility of these formidable predators, as well as other animals.
Creative Cairns
November is all about the creative local talent, with the Understory Film Festival and Cairns Fashion Week both adding to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. These events provide a great opportunity to get to know the local culture and meet new people.
If you’re after something a little more casual, there’s the excellent Cairns Esplanade and lagoon where you can enjoy a BBQ and a swim, then stroll over to the Cairns Night Markets for some great local deals. There’s also so much to do on our Things to do in Cairns page.
For the best time to visit Cairns, check out what you can expect in Cairns in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November December.
